Sindh Passes Controversial Law Regarding Criteria for Appointment of Vice Chancellors

Despite strong opposition from all three opposition parties, the Sindh Assembly, led by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), passed the Sindh Universities and Institutes Laws (Amendment) Bill on Friday, allowing bureaucrats without a PhD to be appointed as vice-chancellors in universities across the province.

Tensions rose in the sparsely attended house as members of Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), and Tehreek-e-Insaf-backed Sunni Ittehad Council gathered in front of the Speaker’s desk, chanting slogans against the bill.

As Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar began the clause-by-clause approval process, opposition members ripped up copies of the bill in protest.

Key Amendments in the Bill

• Bureaucrats with a master’s degree can now be appointed as vice-chancellors in Sindh’s universities.
• A BPS-21 or above cadre officer with a bachelor’s degree in engineering and a master’s degree from an HEC-recognized institution is eligible for the role.
• Once appointed as VC, the bureaucrat must resign from civil service.
• Academics with a PhD, 15 years of experience in research, academia, or management, and a strong record of publications also remain eligible.
• The age limit for VC applicants is set at 62 years at the time of application.
• The appointment will be made by three shortlisted candidates recommended by a search committee.

Opposition’s Reaction

Opposition Leader Rana Ansar questioned the urgency of passing these laws, arguing that such amendments should have undergone proper consultation. “If the government wants to silence us, it should stop talking about democracy,” he said.

Other Legislation Passed

The Sindh Civil Courts (Amendment) Bill was also passed smoothly, removing financial limits on district courts in civil suits. Under this amendment:

• District courts will have unlimited jurisdiction over civil cases, reducing the burden on the Sindh High Court.
• All pending cases previously under the High Court’s original jurisdiction will be transferred to district courts.

The law minister defended the bill, stating that it aimed to provide quick and affordable justice to citizens rather than benefiting specific individuals.